Samsung scores more ammo for Apple patent war

Samsung on Tuesday confirmed that it has acquired a portfolio of mobile and location patents from British chipmaker CSR for $310 million, as well as the company’s 310-person technology and handset team. The South Korea-based consumer electronics giant told Reuters the deal will add new capabilities to its current microchip platforms, which are included its own mobile devices as well as smartphones and tablets from clients including Apple. “By leveraging CSR’s R&D capability, Samsung will strengthen its application processor platform and solidify its position as a leading semiconductor solutions provider,” said Samsung executive Stephen Woo. The deal has an added benefit as well, of course — it bolsters Samsung’s patent portfolio and likely gives the company new ammunition in its ongoing war with Apple.